Discussing Anadia (and the ROU v FRA Junior Match)

Recently, the line-up for the Anadia World Cup was released and gym fans everywhere have been buzzing. Whether it be the return of Tunney or the new-ish Russian up-comers who are 'trialing' at this competition, there's a favorite for everyone. 

Tunney and Whelan
This is my favorite pairing, they're so cute. They go together like bread and butter. So, as you may know, Tunney was out all of the start of this year and sat out for Europeans (so did Hannah) due to a tiresome injury. When I was in Liverpool for the British, I was very sad of Rebecca's absence and Hannah really wasn't all there. So, I'm so excited for what they can do in Portugal. They both will be competing bars, beam and floor.

Grishina and the Gang
The beautiful senior Anastasia Grishina will be making her way to Portugal with the rest of her 3 Russian teammates. Grishkins will be competing on Bars, Beam and Floor. The rest of the team include first years Ekaterina Baturina (BB, FX) and Alla Sosnitskaya (UB.) Russia are also sending 2010 Pacific Rim participant Anna Rodinova on Vault and Bars. Looks like it will be a big battle for a bars final place. 

Didi and Lari
Once again, the Romanian cuties take Europe for another competition. Both girls are up for all four events which is fabalab. Hopefully, the successes from Moscow can convert to Portugal.

Berger's Back
Prior to the Europeans, at the Paris World Cup, Berger was injured on vault and had to withdraw, a shame as her Rudi is always a crowd delight. Since then, she competed at the German National Championships, just a few weeks ago but only on Bars, scoring 13.350 and placing last in the standings. Hopefully, she'll be fully ready for Anadia, where she'll only compete vault.
Her German compatriots are Kim Bui (AA) and Lisa Katharina Hill (UB, BB, FX). 

Hungarian Hunnies
the beam Babes, Noemi Makra and Dorina Boczogo are back for more action. Makra is coming off a recently silver medal from another competition. Watch out for them both on Beam but they'll compete all-fours.

Canadian Up-Comers
After the Canadian Championships last week, we've got three maybe unknown gymnasts coming from Canada. The most famous is probably Victoria Kayen Woo, Pacific Rim 2012 participant, she's on Vault Bars and Beam. Stefanie Merkle, who took home 2 medals from the Canadian Championships, competing on Beam and Floor. The final competitor is Briannah Tsang from Flicka, another gymnast who did well in Ottawa, competing everything except floor. 

China's Beauties
Shang Chunsong and Zeng Siqi are representing the graceful nation of China. Siqi gained International credentials when she went to Doha, earning two medals. Chunsong competed at the Tokyo World Cup, placing 4th in the all-around. Chunsong is down for Bars, Beam and Floor but Siqi is doing them except Bars.

full start list here

MEANWHILE, IN OTHER NEWS

Next weekend, Romania and France go head to head in a Junior match, held in France. This will be a chance to showcase some of the glorious talents amongst these ever growing gymnastics nations. 

On the French team is 2012 European Championships participant Louise Vanhille (14), 20th Place in the Europeans 2012 All-Around Clara Chambellant (15), French Championships Bronze Medalist Grace Charpy (14), Multiple French Championships medalist Claire Martin (15), Silver medalist at the French Championships on Bars Laura Longueville (15), French team member Emmeline Magniant (15) and 9th Place at the French Championships Kim Teulade (15).

Competing for Romania is 2x European Bronze medalist Andreea Munteanu (15), Gymnix 2013 competitor Andreea Iridon (14), 7th place at the Lugano Trophy Laura Jurca (14), 14th at the 2010 TopGym competition Madalina Blendea (14), 2x European Medalist Silvia Zarzu (15) and Diana Teodoru (15).


This weekend is also the Small States Games, an annual festival were Sports come together and compete. Luxembourg are hosting.